Deep Purple’s former manager Tony Edwards dies

Edwards looked after the band from 1967-1976 until they eventually split.

He was instrumental in their early success and came up with the name of the band who were originally called Roundabout.

Former guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who left the line-up in 1975 before returning when the band reformed in 1984, wrote on his official site Blackmoresnight.com “With deepest respect – and with great sorrow – we honour Tony Edwards.

“Tony was the man behind the scenes for Deep Purple. He was instrumental to the existence and sustenance of the band and it’s music from it’s inception to present day. Tony’s insight and intuitiveness were unparalleled in the music business. He will be thought of often and missed greatly.